Remotely controlled water level control means for flush toilets

ABSTRACT

A flush type toilet incorporating a remotely controlled valve adjusting mechanism to selectively vary the quantity of water held in the water closet dependent upon the nature of wastes to be flushed from the toilet bowl. The remotely controlled valve adjusting mechanism is mounted on the water closet with the flush valve control and includes a finger grip element which may be moved either in a push-pull manner or rotatably to effectively vary the float valve position which effects cut-off of the water supplied to the tank after a flushing operation.

United States Patent Johnson Sept. 23, 1975 [5 REMOTELY CONTROLLED WATER LEVEL 3.036.59l 5/1962 Eddowes l37/426 CONTROL MEANS FOR FLUSH TOILETS 3,538.5[9 ll/l970 Weisz.... 4/67 A 3,839,746 l(l/l974 Kowalskl 4/67 A [76} Inventor: Stanley E. Johnson, 1529 Weyhurn Ottawa Ontano Canada Primary ExaminerRobert l, Smith [22] Filed: Mar. 15, 1974 [Zl] Appl. No.: 451,544 57 ABSTRACT A flush type toilet incorporating a remotely controlled [52] US. Cl 4/67 A; l37/426 valve adjusting mechanism m Selectively Vary he [51] P E031) 5H2 quantity of water held in the water closet dependent [58] held of Search 4/67 67 upon the nature of wastes to be flushed from the toilet 4/57 41; l37/426 bowl, The remotely controlled valve adjusting mechanism is mounted on the water closet with the flush [56] References Cited valve control and includes a finger grip element which UNITED STATES PATENTS may he moved either in a push-pull manner or rotat- 2 2 4 45 2 19 1 How U 137/426 ably to effectively vary the float valve position which 2,521,794 9/1950 Harvey et al. 137/426 effects cut-off of the water supplied to the tank after 21 2,706,998 4/1955 Bletcher et all, i. 137/426 flushing operation. 2,724,838 ll/l955 Wirth et al 4/67 A 2,737,665 3/1956 Moss 4/67 A 8 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures REMOTELY CONTROLLED WATER LEVEL CONTROL MEANS FOR FLUSH TOILETS This invention relates generally to flush toilets of the type having a water closet for holding a quantity of water for flushing wastes from the bowl and more particularly to remotely controlled valves for adjustably controlling the amount of water held in the water closet for flush purposes. The invention relates to an apparatus for installation on existing water closets and to water closets incorporating the same to vary the effective position of the float controlling the normal valve in a toilet flush system.

In normal flush toilets the float valve is set to permit filling the water closet to a predetermined level and thus the quantity of water used for each flushing operaton is always the same. This, however, is considered a waste of water and also abnormally overloads sewer systems since the same quantity of water is used to flush liquids from the bowl as used to flush liquid and solid wastes. In the case of flushing only liquids substantially less water is required than for flushing solid wastes and, accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide apparatus whereby the quantity of water may be adjusted by the user dependent upon the nature of the wastes to be flushed from the bowl.

Prior proposals, as exemplified by US. Pat. No. 2,571,206 issued Oct. 16, 1951 to L. A. Couture, include a mechanism on the valve for adjustably positioning the float. This, however, is located within the water tank and is thus not readily accessible for the user. Furthermore, such mechanism is no more than a mechanical adaptation for variously positioning the float as is normally done by bending the rod attaching the float body to the valve actuating mechanism.

A further principal object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism actuated exteriorly of the water closet to variously adjust the effective float position and thus permit the user to variously adjust the quantity of water in the closet dependent upon the nature of the waste to be flushed from the bowl. In order to convert existing installations it is proposed a mecha nism be provided to replace the existing handle mounted on the water closet which is used for flushing. This permits using a mounting hole in existing closets. For new water closets a further separate mounting hole may be provided. For convenience of operation, however, the valve adjusting mechanism located exteriorly of the tank is preferably mounted in the same position as the present flush control lever.

Prior proposals have also included using a compartmented tank wherein one quantity of water is used to flush liquids from the bowl and a larger quantity from an adjacent section of the tank is used to flush a combination of liquids and solids from the bowl. This, however, requires two valve mechanisms and a specially built tank.

Further recent proposals have been to insert an object in the tank to decrease the volume thereby lessening the amount of water used in each flushing operation. This, however, does not permit readily variously adjusting the quantity of water dependent upon the nature of the wastes to be flushed from the bowl.

In accordance with a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided improvements in a flush toilet of the type having a bowl and a water closet for holding a supply of water to flush liquids and liquid and solid wastes from the bowl comprising a remotely controlled adjustable valve in a water supply means to the water tank for selectively adjusting the quantity of water supply to the closet for a flushing operation thereby permitting the use of less water for flushing liquids from the bowl than used to flush a combination of liquids and solids from the bowl.

In order to adapt existing installations, there is further provided in accordance with the present invention a device for attachment to a water closet type flush toilet for controlling the amount of flush water held by the closet comprising (a) a first valve adjusting assembly for use in opening a valve controlling flow of water from the water closet to the bowl for flushing waste from the latter; (b) means for mounting said first valve assembly on the water closet; and (c) a second valve adjusting mechanism including (i) hand operable means movably mounted on said first valve actuating assembly; (ii) means for adjusting the effective valve shut-off position of a float controlled valve in a water supply line to the water closet; and (iii) means connecting said hand operable means and valve adjusting means to movably adjust the latter in response to movement of said hand operable means.

The invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. I is an elevational partial sectional view of a water closet incorporating a valve adjusting mechanism in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial oblique view of the water closet shown in FIG. I showing the valve adjusting mecha nism mounted on the water closet;

FIG. 3 is a detailed cross-section taken substantially along section 33 of FIG. 2',

FIGS. 4 8 inclusive are partial sectional views ofthc float control valve actuating mechanism incorporating various embodiments for adjusting the same in accor dance with the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is an oblique partial sectional view illustrating a further modification.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, shown in FIG. I is a toilet bowl 10 having a water closet 20 mounted thereon in a conventional manner. The water closet holds a supply of water 2I at a conventional level designated by the reference numeral 22. The water closet 20 is closed at the top by a removable conven tional lid 23. Water to the water closet is supplied through a water supply line 24 connected by a stand pipe 25 located within the tank to a valve 26. Water from the valve 26 is supplied to the tank through a conduit 27 and to a conventional overflow pipe 28 through a further conduit 29. The valve 26 includes a valve control element 30 which, in a conventional installation, is actuated by direct contact with a pivotally mounted valve actuating element 31 connected to a float 32. The float element 32 is connected to the valve actuating element 3] by a conventional rod 33 threaded to the respective members or connected in any other convenient manner. The valve actuating element 31 is pivotally mounted by a pin 34 to a pair of spaced apart lugs 35 secured to the body of the valve 26.

The water 21 in the tank 20 flows to the toilet bowl 20 through a neck portion 36 extending from the bottom of the tank and a flap type valve normally covers the opening through the neck 26 interiorly of the tank. To effect flushing operation such valve is opened by moving a lever mounted on the water closet.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a remotely controlled valve adjustment to selectively vary the closed position of valve 26 dependent upon the quantity of water desired for a subsequent flushing operation. In one position of the valve adjusting assembly, the vtater level would be permitted to rise to the level designated by reference 22 and this would be the maximum quantity used for flushing a combination of liquid and solid wastes from the toilet bowl. In a second position the float would control the water so as to rise to the minimum level designated by the reference 37 providing a minimum quantity of water maintained in the tank required to flush liquid wastes from the toilet bowl.

The valve adjusting mechanism shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 comprises a first actuating valve assembly 40 for use in opening the flap type valve controlling flow of water from the water closet to the bowl, a mounting assembly and a valve adjusting mechanism 80.

The mounting assembly 60 consists of an externally threaded sleeve 61 having an outwardly directed flange 62 on one end thereof and a nut 63 threaded onto the opposite end for clampingly engaging the front wall of the water closet thcrebctwecn. The sleeve 61 passes through an aperture 64 conventionally provided in the front closet wall in the upper left hand region thereof.

The valve actuating assembly 40 includes an L- shaped tubular member having a first leg portion 41 and a second leg portion 42 disposed substantially at right angles to one another. The leg portion 41 is rotatably mounted in the sleeve 61 and is prevented from slidably passing therethrough in one direction by an external enlargement 43. The leg portion 41 passes through the sleeve and projects therebeyond having a handle member 44 detachably secured thereto in any conventional manner as, for example, by a set screw 45. The handle thus prevents the leg portion from sliding in the opposite direction through sleeve 61. The handle 44 has an undercut in an enlargement 46 fitting over the flange 62 of the sleeve assembly covering the same to provide a neat appearing assembly. The handle member 44 has a central cylindrical hub 47 projecting forwardly therefrom. the purpose of which will become apparent hereinafter. The leg member 42 is located interiorly of the tank and extends longitudinally generally in a horizontal direction parallel to the front wall. A rod 48 is slidably adjust-ably mounted in the leg portion 42 and may be locked in position by a tapered nut 49. The rod 48 has an aperture 50 adjacent the free end thereof to which is attached a conventional link chain 51 for actuating the flap type valve covering the opening through the member 36 in the bottom of the tank. Alternatively the rod 48 may be a continuation of the leg 42 which may be either hollow or solid and provided with a series of apertures spaced longitudinally therealong for variously position the point of attachment of chain 51 to such rod. The tubular member has an aperture 52 extending through one wall thereof at thejuncture of legs 41 and 42.

The valve adjusting mechanism includes a finger grip element 8] slidably and/or rotatably mounted on the handle cylindrical portion 47, a valve adjusting member 82 for adjusting the effective valve shut-off po sition ofthe float control valve 26 and a cable member 83 interconnecting the finger grip element 81 and the valve adjusting member 82. The cable 83 is of a bowden type having an outer sheath 84 and an inner wire or cable element 85. The sheath member 84 passes at one end through the aperture 52 at the juncture of legs 41 and 42 in the L-shaped member 40 and is anchored to the handle member portion 47 by a set screw 86. The opposite end of the sheath 83 is anchored to the body of valve member 26 by a bracket assembly 87. The cable member 85 is anchored at one end to the finger grip element 81 as, for example, by a set screw 88 and the opposite end is anchored to the valve adjusting element 82.

Various embodiments of the valve adjusting element 82 are illustrated in the drawings. In FIG. 1 the valve adjusting element 82 consists of a tapered strip type element interposed between the valve control element 30 and valve actuating element 31. As viewed in FIG. 1, the tapered element 82 is reciprocally mounted for movement to the left and to the right and the taper is such that with the element moved to the right, maximum thickness is interposed between the valve elements 30 and 31. This will position the float at a lower level permitting the tank to fill to the level designated 37. This corresponds to the finger grip element 81 in a pushed in position as illustrated in FIG. 3. Movement of the valve adjusting element 82 to the left as viewed in FIG. 1 is accomplished by pulling the finger grip element 81 to the left as viewed in FIG. 3 moving the thinner portion of body member 82 between valve members 30 and 31 permitting the float 32 to shut off the water level at the designated upper level 22.

The wedge 82 may be replaced by a V-shaped spring member 90 illustrated in FIG. 8. The spring 90 consists of leg portions 91 and 92 interconnected at one end and the opposite endof leg 92 is attached to the cable 85. The strength of the spring is chosen such that when the water is at the upper level, the finger grip element 81 may be pushed in compressing the spring 90 between the respective valve membcrs 30 and 31. Upon flushing the spring is of sufficient strength to effect closing of the valve at the minimum level of water for the tank.

FIGS. 4 7 inclusive illustrate various means for adjusting the effective valve shut-off position. The valve actuating member 31 illustrated in FIG. 1 corresponds to members 31A, 31B, 31C and 31D in respective FIGS. 4 7 inclusive.

Referring to FIG. 4, the valve adjusting means consists of a threaded screw member 100, attached to cable member 85 by a connecting sleeve 101, threaded through a bore 102 in the body member 31A. The free terminal end of the threaded member has a portion 103 which contacts the valve control element 30. In such embodiment, rotation of the finger grip element 81 adjusts the amount by which the end portion 103 projects from the body 31A.

In FIG. 5 the valve adjusting element consists of an eccentric cam member rotatably mounted in the body member 31B and connected to the cable member 85 for rotation therewith. The lower face of the cam projects beyond the member 31B to engage the valve control element 30.

In FIG. 6 the valve adjusting means consists of a tupered wedge corresponding to the tapered wedge 82 illustrated in FIG. 1 but is mounted for reciprocal movement in a slot 121 in the body member 31C, the reciprocal movement being parallel to the pivot 34 as opposed to perpendicular to such pivot in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. I. The tapered wedge 120 contacts a pin member k22s-whicl1, if desired, may be spring loaded for engagement with the valve controlelement 30. r I.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the valve ae tuating element 31D has a member 130 pivotally attached thereto by a pivotpin 131. The-element 130 contacts a compression spring 132 engageable with the head 103 ofa screw type adjustment illustrated in FIG. 4. This embodiment, as .in the case illustratcdin FIG; 8, permits actuating the adjusting mechanism With'the water tank filled to its uppermost level and upon flush ing of the water the next filling will-be controlled to the lower level.

From the foregoing it will be seen there isdiselosed various embodiments for remotely adjusting the float control valve which is accomplished in! eachinstance by varying the operative position ofthe float for effecting shut off of the valve used in filling the water closet. It is contemplated that the adjusting mechanism remain normally in a water closet filled minimum quantity of water and, in the event solid wastes are to be flushed from the bowl, the finger grip mechanism can be manually adjusted to allow the water closet to fill to the upper level before effecting a flushing operation. The adjustment in each instance is provided by a member interposed between the valve control member 30 and valve actuating member 31, the latter of which is movable in response to contact of the float with the upper surface of the water in the tank.

As an alternative to the foregoing. the valve assembly 26 may be replaced by a valve assembly incorporating a mechanism therein to vary the effective shut-off position. This is accomplished by modifying the valve control element 30 and connecting the control thereto such that in one position the valve shuts off when the float rises to the level designated 37 and. in the other position, rises to the level designated 22. This effectively modifies the valve to operate as a two position valve and avoids the necessity of a separate clement disposed between the valve control element and valve actuating element.

The level of water in the closet may also be controlled by adjusting the pivot axis of pin 34 in the float control valve actuating mechanism 31. Such modification is illustrated in FIG. 9 wherein a pair of lugs 35A and 35B are shown projecting upwardly from the top of the housing of valve assembly 26. A shaft member 200 is journalled in aligned apertures in the respective lugs 35A and 35B and a central portion 201 ofthe shaft is eccentrically offset therefrom and journalled in an aperture 31A in the member 31. The valve control element 30 is in direct engagement with member 31 at a position spaced from pivot pin 200. Rotation of the shaft 200 varies the amount of travel of the float membcr 32 to effect shut off of the valve controlling flow of water into the tank. The arrangement may be chosen such that with the member 31 in the uppermost position as illustrated in FIG. 9 the tank fills to the level designated 22 and rotation of the shaft 180 about its axis from the position shown would control the water to rise to level 37. Various means may be provided for retaining the shaft 200 in various rotational positions. One such means is illustrated in FIG. 9 wherein a compression spring 202 has one end thereof bearing against a cap member 203 secured to lug 35A and the other end abuts an end 204A of the shaft 200. This biases the shaft in a direction toward the lug 35B. Lug 35B is provideil with notches 204 and 205. The notches are on a surface-of lug35 dirbctly facing the member 31 and merge into the aperture in which shaft 200 is journalled. The notches 20'4 and 205' provide a seat for re ceivihg a shoulder 206 located at the transition between the shaft portion 200 journalled in lug 35B and the eccentric portion 201 journalled in member 31. The notches 204 and 205, accordingly, retain the shaft in respective ones of two different positions and which represents 180 of rotation of the shaft 200. Obviously, further notches may be provided in the event it is desired to have the shaft 200 retained in different rotational positions.

The shaft 200 has a recess 207 extending inwardly from one end thereof receiving an end portion of the cable element and which is anchored thereto by a set screw 208; lnsuch embodiment, rotation of the knob 81 illustrate'd'in F1053 effects rotation of the shaft200providir'lg means to variously adjust the operative position of the valve controlling in one position the water level to that designated 37 in FIG. 1 and, in another position, to the level designated 22.

The various embodiments illustrated may be incorporated in existing installations as the valve 26 illustrated is the most commonly used type in water closets of flush type toilets.

I claim:

1. A flush toilet comprising:

a. a water closet for holding a supply of water;

b. a bowl;

c. a first valve to release the supply of water held in the tank to flush wastes from the bowl;

d. a valve actuating mechanism mounted on said tank and hand operable to open said first valve;

c. a float controlled valve for controlling \vatcr supplied to the water closet; and

f. a manually operable valve adjusting mechanism se lectively varying the effective shut-off position of the float controlled valve to vary the quantity of water supplied to the tank for use in a subsequent flushing operation, said valve adjusting mechanism having a hand operable member movably mounted on said water closet, a further member movably mounted on said float controlled valve to variously adjust the effective shut-off position of the same, and linkage means interconnecting said hand operable member and said further member whereby said latter member is moved in response to move ment of the hand operable member.

2. A flush toilet as defined in claim 1 wherein said float controlled valve includes a valve housing, a valve member movable in said valve housing controlling flow of water to the water closet and an actuator for said valve member, said actuator being pivotally mounted on said valve housing and connected to said float for moving the valve member to a shut'off position in response to upward movement of the float in the water closet.

3. A flush toilet as defined in claim 2 wherein said further member comprises a wedge-shaped member interposed between said valve member and actuator and reciprocally mounted on said valve housing.

4. A flush toilet as defined in claim 2 wherein said further member is rotatably mounted on said valve actuator.

5. A flush toilet as defined in claim 4 wherein said rotatable further mounted member is an eccentric cam.

6. A flush toilet as defined in claim 2 wherein said further member comprises a pin pivotally mounting said valve actuator on said valve housing. said pin having a first axis of rotation fixed relative to said valve housing and a second axis of rotation movable relative 5 to said housing. said valve actuator being pivotally mounted about said second axis of rotation.

7. Apparatus for adjusting the effective cut-off position of a float controlled valve in a flush toilet having a water storage closet and a bowl comprising:

a. a cam member for mounting on the housing of said float controlled valve to selectively adjust the shutoff position of the float controlled valve;

b. cable means connected at one end to said cam member and having finger grip means at the other 5 end for manually moving said cam member; and

c. mounting means for mounting said other end of the cable means on the water closet and including a second valve actuator manually movable for use in opening the valve to flush wastes from the bowl.

8. A flush toilet comprising a bowl, in water closet for holding a supply of water. conduit means from said water closet to said bowl. first valve means to release the water held in the water closet to flush liquids and liquid and solid wastes from the bowl. hand operable means for actuating said first valve means. an adjustable float controlled valve mounted within the water closet and adapted to be connected by conduit means to a water supply means for the water closet, said float controlled valve being actuated by the water level in the water closet. remote control means connected to said adjustable float controlled valve and having a hand operable member for selectively adjusting, within a substantially wide range, the quantity of water supplied to the closet. and means mounting said hand operable member on said water closet with a finger grip portion thereof disposed exteriorly of the water closet. 

1. A flush toilet comprising: a. a water closet for holding a supply of water; b. a bowl; c. a first valve to release the supply of water held in the tank to flush wastes from the bowl; d. a valve actuating mechanism mounted on said tank and hand operable to open said first valve; e. a float controlled valve for controlling water supplied to the water closet; and f. a manually operable valve adjusting mechanism selectively varying the effective shut-off position of the float controlled valve to vary the quantity of water supplied to the tank for use in a subsequent flushing operation, said valve adjusting mechanism having a hand operable member movably mounted on said water closet, a further member movably mounted on said float controlled valve to variously adjust the effective shut-off position of the same, and linkage means interconnecting said hand operable member and said further member whereby said latter member is moved in response to movement of the hand operable member.
 2. A flush toilet as defined in claim 1 wherein said float controlled valve includes a valve housing, a valve member movable in said valve housing controlling flow of water to the water closet and an actuator for said valve member, said actuator being pivotally mounted on said valve housing and connected to said float for moving the valve member to a shut-off position in response to upward movement of the float in the water closet.
 3. A flush toilet as defined in claim 2 wherein said further member comprises a wedge-shaped member interposed between said valve member and actuator and reciprocally mounted on said valve housing.
 4. A flush toilet as defined in claim 2 wherein said further member is rotatably mounted on said valve actuator.
 5. A flush toilet as defined in claim 4 wherein said rotatable further mounted member is an eccentric cam.
 6. A flush toilet as defined in claim 2 wherein said further member comprises a pin pivotally mounting said valve actuator on said valve housing, said pin having a first axis of rotation fixed relative to said valve housing and a second axis of rotation movable relative to said housing, said valve actuator being pivotally mounted about said second axis of rotation.
 7. Apparatus for adjusting the effective cut-off position of a float controlled valve in a flush toilet having a water storage closet and a bowl comprising: a. a cam member for mounting on the housing of said float controlled valve to selectively adjust the shut-off position of the float controlled valve; b. cable means connected at one end to said cam member and having finger grip means at the other end for manually moving said cam member; and c. mounting means for mounting said other end of the cable means on the water closet and including a second valve actuator manually movable for use in opening the valve to flush wastes from the bowl.
 8. A flush toilet comprising a bowl, a water closet for holding a supply of water, conduit means from said water closet to said bowl, first valve means to release the water held in the water closet to flush liquids and liquid and solid wastes from the bowl, hand operable means for actuating said first valve means, an adjustable float controlled valve mounted within the water closet and adapted to be connected by conduit means to a water supply means for the water closet, said float controlled valve being actuated by the water level in the water closet, remote control means connected to said adjustable float controlled valve and having a hand operable member for selectively adjusting, within a substantially wide range, the quantity of water supplied to the closet, and means mounting said hand operable member on said water closet with a finger grip portion thereof disposed exteriorly of the water closet. 